The general assembly of the Italian Professional Cyclists Association was held yesterday in Verona, confirming Cristian Salvato as president of the most historic sports union in Italy.

A professional from 1995 to 2001 and ACCPI's number 1 since 2013, the 54-year-old Venetian will continue to lead Assocorridori for another 4 seasons and represent the Italian group worldwide within the international professional syndicate CPA – Cyclistes Professionnels Associes.

By his side will be the confirmed councilors Gabriele Landoni, Silvia Parietti and Elena Valentini together with Davide Cimolai, Alberto Curtolo and Fred Morini, and the new active vice president Edoardo Affini, who receives the baton from Matteo Trentin.

After meeting with the top category cyclists, Salvato, world champion in team time trial in 1989, 1993, and 1994 as a junior and amateur, commented: "I thank the members for their trust and the former riders who chose to dedicate their time to the movement's well-being for their availability. Having on the council athletes who have just hung up their bikes like Cimolai and experienced ones like Landoni is the perfect mix for the association that aims to increasingly value the professional cyclist and will celebrate 80 years of life next year".

Edoardo Affini, applauded by his colleagues, said: "I thank Matteo Trentin for what he has done in the last 12 years, I gladly accept this role on his proposal. I want to do and learn, to understand how to best move in this new role. Matteo will be my mentor as he already was when I turned professional. Cycling continues to grow and evolve, and we must keep up with the times, and the active participation of all members is essential. Every idea and proposal is welcome".

Silvia Parietti, who after a term as a councilor was appointed vice president not in activity, added: "I am happy to continue this journey in ACCPI, the first association in the world to open up to women, on Cristian's impulse. Thanks also to the extraordinary work of Alessandra Cappellotto (Cpa Women), today we see important and concrete results, but there is still much to be done for the growth of the movement. We can't wait to work together for the girls and boys we have the honor and burden of representing".

The objectives of the new ACCPI course were expressed by Cristian Salvato in the assembly and shared with the numerous participants connected remotely: value every athlete, put safety first, and invest in training, both during and after the career.

foto ©SprintCyclingAgency